Created by REV- (lead artist: Marisa Jahn) in collaboration with The National Domestic Workers Alliance, The NannyVan is a bright orange mobile design lab and sound studio that "accelerates the movement for domestic workers' rights nationwide." With its pull-out craft carts, colorful design, and acoustic recording booth, the NannyVan convenes domestic workers workers and employers alike to produce and provide new fair care tools — from know-your-right flyers to our Domestic Worker App.

The Domestic Worker App is a public art and know-your-rights app accessible by any kind of phone — even the most basic kinds. Call (347) 967-5500 at any hour to hear humorous episodes about topics such as overtime wage, paying your taxes, health and safety essentials, and the growing movement for domestic worker justice! AND, text the number to sign up to receive weekly text messages — type any key in the subject of the text message.

Tour Dates 2014

Invite Us To your town!

Catch the NannyVan at family-friendly events (museum family days, street fairs, farmers markets) or worker-friendly locations (community centers, places of worship, parks). You'll hear it coming when you hear the 'Nanthem' (the 'nanny anthem') on blast — think ice cream truck meets discotheque. Come by for quick crafts for kids, pick up a free fair care toolkit, or help create new tools.

When New Deal Labor Laws passed in the 1930s, Southern congressmen intentionally excluded domestic workers from receiving basic labor protections. Domestic workers were first granted minimum wage and overtime pay in the 1970s. Now, after protections for domestic workers did not improve for over 30 years, the tide is finally turning! New York passed the first landmark Bill of Rights in 2010 with other states soon to follow. Now, nannies, housekeepers, and caregivers across the country — along with employers and allies — are rallying for respect, recognition, and basic labor protections.

"REV is the creative engine to keep our domestic worker movement rolling across the country. We want to inspire a culture shift about how we view domestic work in this country and we hope you will join us on the road to win dignity for domestic workers through art, education and collaboration."
— The National Domestic Workers Alliance

After the birth of my son last year, I hired a wonderful nanny so that I could go back to work. To make sure she's well-cared for and happy, I searched hard for resources to help me provide fair care standards. I also found that other parents — and workers — struggled questions about things like vacation time, nannyshares, and the changing laws.

So with the team at REV-, the art, media, and social justice organization I founded, and with the guidance of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, I created the NannyVan. Our goal? To connect employers and workers alike with fair care tools that balance childcare needs and support the growing movement for domestic worker rights.

And our nanny?
An actress by night, Anya became an integral part of the NannyVan
— not only by helping me care for Luca — but as the main voicing talent on the hotline for workers. She also facilitates acting and voice coaching in some of our creative media workshops. Join us — on the road or online — and tell me about your journey!
— Marisa

With an aging babyboomer generation, more will need caregivers — it's one of the fastest growing industries!

An app for
any kind phone!

About

Project Leads

REV- (as in to rev an engine) is a nonprofit studio whose public art projects combine creativity, bold ideas, and sound research to address critical issues. We are a women and minority-led team of artists, techies, media makers, low-wage workers, immigrants, and teens producing work to impact the issues we face. www.studiorev.org

The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) is the nation's leading voice for dignity and fairness for the millions of domestic workers in the United States, most of whom are women. www.domesticworkers.org